Once again, GROGs showed their abiding interest in all things ‘rugby’ when another excellent crowd (87) turned up at the March meeting to hear guest speaker, top international referee Andrew MacPherson.

Chaired by another referee and acknowledged ‘homer’, Raymond Healy, the Lunch was up to the continuing high standards of the GROGs. Andy was both entertaining and educational with his honest, sometimes self effacing, description of the perils and pleasures of being a rugby referee at the higher levels in these days of technology and trial by television-inspired hindsight. In spite of some rough experiences, Andy confessed that his 14 years (and counting) of refereeing was something he would not change for the world. He answered the questions put to him with refreshing honesty and the number and quality of these questions showed just what a knowledgeable crowd these GROGs are!

A total of 76 brave souls ignored the weather to attend the final Lunch of the GROG's 10th. Anniversary season at Braidholm. They were well rewarded with the usual good quality 'man' lunch and an entertaining and interesting talk from Jamie Dempsey, a young man steeped in rugby and currently the Scotland u-16 Backs Coach and Head Coach at Glasgow Hawks. This was also the GROGS AGM at which, in a move reminiscent of Russian politics, Alasdair Graham stepped down as Chairman, after 3 successful years in the position, to be replaced by Roy Dingwall, whom he, himself, had replaced 3 years ago. Before demitting office, Alasdair announced details of the charitable donations being made from the excess funds, which were:- Hearts & Balls - £500; Bill McLaren Foundation - £500; Murrayfield Centenary Fund - £500; Help for Heroes - £250.

Jim Taylor from Hearts and Balls, a charity set up to help seriously injured rugby players and their families, was on hand to accept the cheque on its behalf.

The Chairman also gave a preview of a mouth-watering, albeit incomplete, programme for the 2013/14 year.